The hot chocolates to try once in your life

It's the most delightful and comforting drink of winter! Whether in a palace version at the Hotel de Crillon or La Réserve, or on the go at Plaq or Ladurée, hot chocolate, a true Proustian madeleine from our childhood, offers an eternal moment of comfort. The Do It Team has shortlisted its best Parisian addresses to indulge in the cream of hot chocolates and sip a little bit of happiness.

In the cozy atmosphere of Le Gaspard bar at La Réserve, the dream hot chocolate moment by chef Jérôme Banctel is savored elegantly by the fireplace. Opt for this chic break: chocolate signed by king Patrick Roger topped with a delicate vanilla whipped cream, served with hazelnut truffles from Piedmont. The cherry on the cake: a little bomb of Liège waffles with pearl sugar, aromas of Madagascar vanilla, and orange blossom (€29). An authentic palace delight.

La Réserve Paris Jérôme Banctel x Patrick Roger signature hot chocolate, served every day between 3 pm and 6 pm at Le Gaspard bar, Hôtel La Réserve Paris, 42 avenue Gabriel, Paris 8th.

The mythical old-fashioned hot chocolate at Angelina keeps its top spot on the podium with a secret recipe unchanged for 100 years. Its uniqueness comes from a blend of three African-origin cocoas from Niger, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire, meticulously balanced to harmonize bitterness and fruity notes. On the palate, a hint of vanilla and a velvety texture (€9.90).

Angelina, 226 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st. Open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 7 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 7:30 pm.

At The Peninsula Paris, pastry chef Anne Coruble has taken the reins of the hot chocolate recipe, served in the exceptional setting of the bar of the palace. Her secret? Timut pepper, infused for 20 minutes in cream and milk before adding dark and milk chocolate. And for the wow effect: the Viennese version with whipped cream dome on top (€20).

Le Kléber bar at The Peninsula Paris, 19 avenue Kléber, Paris 16th. Open daily from 12 pm to 12:30 am.

As irresistible as its macarons that have made its reputation, the hot chocolate at Ladurée offers a great moment of tenderness and delicately celebrates indulgence. Made with Valrhona chocolate with intense flavors and served with vanilla whipped cream, it strikes a perfect balance between aromatic power, density, and sweetness. A chic ritual par excellence served in the iconic tea room on the Champs-Élysées (€14). The perk: it's also available for take-away at all Ladurée Paris boutiques for only €7!

Ladurée, 75 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th. Open Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 9:30 pm.

© Infiniment pâtisserie, Les Editions La Martinière

Nestled in the most foodie street of Paris, the Plaq chocolate factory perfumes and delights hearts throughout the day. Here, hot chocolate is grabbed on the go or savored on the little bench outside the shop. Its irresistible aroma and intense flavor are due to the purity of its chocolate, the Maya Mountain 76% dark from Belize, one of the brand's bestsellers. With a pinch of organic blond cane sugar and optionally a small cloud of whipped cream for an extra dose of joy (small €5, medium €8.50).

PLAQ, Chocolate Factory, 4 rue du Nil, Paris 2nd, open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 7:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

Under the gilding of the Jardin d’Hiver, nestled between the walls of the ultra-chic Hôtel de Crillon, hot chocolate reaches gourmet heights. Matthieu Carlin, the pastry chef of the house, poured all his love into crafting a devilishly indulgent drink blending whole milk, cream, dark chocolate 66% and 70%, and milk chocolate 40%. A delight (€18).

Jardin d’Hiver at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, 10 place de la Concorde, Paris 8th, open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.

A powerful antidepressant at the heart of winter, the Infiniment Chocolat served at all Pierre Hermé cafés is a true Proustian madeleine, where the Paineras, a grand cru from Brazil, is prepared with hot water (€5.50 to-go and €7 on-site). The result is as foamy and comforting as childhood memories but with fewer calories. For true gourmets, the Viennese chocolate is a safe bet (€8). Yallah!

Le Café Pierre Hermé, 126 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris - 6th / 86 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris - 8th, open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.

Also discover our best addresses for grocery shopping in Paris and our favorite spots around Canal Saint Martin.